What is popular sovereignty?

Popular sovereignty is fundamentally the principle that government derives its authority from the consent of the governed. This concept is central to democratic systems, where the legitimacy of government is rooted in the belief that power is granted by the people, who have the right to influence or change their governing body through elections and other forms of civic engagement.

This principle emerged in the philosophical discourse during the Enlightenment and has been a bedrock of democratic ideals, emphasizing that the will of the people is paramount in legitimizing governmental authority. In a system built on popular sovereignty, citizens actively participate in decision-making processes, ensuring that governance aligns with their needs and values.

The other options reflect different governance structures or economic systems that do not align with the notion of popular sovereignty. It's crucial to understand that these alternatives represent distinct forms of authority that do not prioritize the consent of the populace as the foundational source of power.